Cool MatePetition vs Requests
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Petition
FormalTop 3,000 (common)C1noun
Requests
Top 5,000 (fairly common)
Most formal: PetitionMost common: Petition
| Petition | Requests | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/pəˈtɪʃn/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //rɪˈkwɛsts//🇺🇸 //rɪˈkwɛsts// |
| Meaning | A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people. | Asking for something politely. |
| Example | The citizens signed a petition to request better public transportation services. | She made several requests for more information about the project. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | protest, online, nominating, sign, draft, launch, ask something, ask for something, call for something, petition against, petition by, petition from, court, bankruptcy, divorce, file, submit, hear, petition for, petition on behalf of | make requests, submit requests, respond to requests, urgent requests, formal requests |
| Antonyms | objection, disapproval, opposition | offers, gives, propositions |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'petition' with 'petitioning' - remember that 'petition' is the noun., Using 'petition' without an object - e.g., say 'a petition to change the law', not just 'a petition'., Mispronouncing 'petition' as 'pet-tion' instead of 'pe-tish-un'. | Confused with 'require' - 'require' indicates a necessity, not a polite ask., Using 'request' in plural unnecessarily - 'requests' is used generally, not typically countable., Omitting 'for' when mentioning what is asked - 'make requests for...' is correct. |
| Usage notes | Use 'petition' in formal contexts, especially when discussing requests for change or appeals to authority. Avoid using it in casual conversations. | Use 'requests' when asking for information or favors. It is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though more formal requests may use phrases like 'I would like to request...'. Avoid using in very casual settings where a simple 'can you...' might suffice. |
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Frequently asked questions: Petition vs Requests
What's the difference between Petition and Requests?
Petition: A formal request to change something, usually signed by many people. Requests: Asking for something politely.
Which is more formal: Petition and Requests?
Petition is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Petition and Requests?
Petition is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Petition: The citizens signed a petition to request better public transportation services. Requests: She made several requests for more information about the project.
Can I use Petition and Requests interchangeably?
Not always. Petition and Requests are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.